Närhet till naturen och vikten av detta : En fallstudie i Nordmalings kommun

The proximity to nature and the importance of this A case study in Nordmalings municipality Sofia Lundqvist, Department of Geography, Umeå university, Sweden ABSTRACT In this case study, the purpose was to clarify how the prioritization of population's proximity to the natural landscape is realized in community planning. This has been done through a literature study, observations at selected affected places and personal communication. The case study takes place in Nordmalings municipality, which is a small municipality in northern Sweden located along the Bothnian Gulf. In this coastal and rural municipality there are plenty of opportunities for nature experiences. The study also highlights the interaction between municipal and regional level in terms of accessibility to protected nature.The study results are that nature is important for individuals' well-being, in forms of access to recreational and outdoor areas that increases physical activity, the possibility of fresh air and daylight. In many cases, nature is an important source for body and mind to find peace and quiet. Sustainable development of nature and population's proximity to it is therefore also an important aspect of community planning. Recreation and outdoor activities in nature increase the chances of reducing the risk of physical and mental illness. This is beneficial both to the individual and the society. Nordmaling municipality is an area with many large areas of undisturbed land and plans to increase accessibility to nature. This is to increase the population's well-being but also increase the frequency of visits by tourists